The American Islamic Congress (AIC) is a
civil rights organization promoting
tolerance and the
exchange of ideas among Muslims and between other peoples. AIC a non-religious civic initiative is challenging increasingly negative perceptions of Muslims by advocating responsible leadership and ‘two-way’ interfaith understanding. As Muslim-Americans, thriving amidst America's open multicultural society and civil liberties, we promote these same values for the global Muslim community. We are not afraid to advocate unequivocally for women's equality, free expression, and nonviolence - making no apologies for terrorism, which primarily claims Muslim.
Our organization grew out of the ashes of September 11. In late 2001, a diverse group of young Muslim Americans incorporated AIC as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and non-partisan organization. We opened an office in New Haven, Connecticut, and began publishing editorials, speaking to interfaith audiences, and reaching out to public officials. Today AIC operates offices in Washington, Boston, Cairo, and Basra. Our leaders have published editorials in top newspapers; testified to Congress; provided sensitivity training to law enforcement and members of the armed forces; run workshops on nonviolent reform for young Middle Eastern activists; and spoken at dozens of universities and civic institutions.
Position Summary The Executive Director (ED) and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) are looking for a strategic and process-minded leader who can effectively manage the day to day administrative activities for our Boston Office. As the Boston Director of Operations you will have specific responsibility/oversight for Office Administration, Human Resources, Financial Management, Grant Management and Programs of the Office. It is essential that AIC have a Boston Director of Operations who can set short- and long-term goals in line with our mission and deliverables; work with the ED and COO to ensure that “bigger picture” goals are met; and motivate administrative staff to achieve their individual goals. The Boston Director of Operations will also have financial management responsibilities including development, implementation and management of the operational aspects of the office annual budget, providing financial analysis and recommendations to the COO to ensure fiscal sustainability of the Office.
Responsibilities Reporting to the COO, the Boston Director of Operations will lead internal administrative operations and have the following responsibilities:
Maintain an office that is positive, innovative, and highly productive;
Participate in the development of a cohesive, focused and effective advocacy and grant making strategy;
Guided by AIC’s strategic plan and program strategy and design, provide guidance and support to the Development Department in the identification of new programming opportunities;
Explore possibilities of program funding diversification, including private sector, and implementation through local partners;
Ensure that new program design is integrated in program implementing cycle. In this connection, continuously gather and analyze data/information from the field, and feedback relevant information as inputs to project development and knowledge sharing;
Undertake contract negotiation with donors to ensure that AIC programs and financial objectives are achieved;
Participate in meetings with different AIC Bureaus as needed;
Support the development and engagement of Local Community;
Ensure that programs and projects are managed in a manner which achieves the program/project goals, is in line with donor contracts or grant agreements and AIC policies and procedures, and demonstrate sound resource management;
Ensure that all projects have updated project implementation plans in place;
Oversee office administration functions, including the day to day technology and human resource of the Boston Office:
- Ensure that donor and government reporting is done according to agreed upon standards and in timely manner;
- Ensure that projects are complying with the requirements imposed by donors and grants;
- Work closely with AIC units to ensure proper coordination exists for efficient program implementation;
- Ensure proper monitoring systems are applied to track progress and identify issues that constrain the smooth implementation of project activities; ensure system in place for timely course corrections as necessary;
- Implement and lead the performance management process of the office that measures and evaluates progress against goals for the organization;
- Coordinate the annual operations plan and budget of the Boston Office;
- Ensure adequate controls are installed and that substantiating documentation is approved and available such that all purchases may pass independent and governmental audits;
- Provide the COO with an operating budget. Work with the COO to ensure programmatic success through cost analysis support, and compliance with all contractual and programmatic requirements. This includes: 1) ensuring that all government regulations and requirements are disseminated to appropriate personnel, and 2) monitoring compliance;
- Monitor expenditures against approved operations budget and ensure compliance on all expenses in line with the signed donor contract and with AIC policies;
- Review financial reports and provide guidance on adjustments as necessary;
- Ensure that required project match are properly documented and reported;
- Establish and maintain systems to ensure effective grant management;
- Oversee the management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for the office including: organizational revenue/expense and balance sheet reports, reports to funding agencies, and organizational and contract/grant budgets;
- Monitor banking activities of the office;
- Liaise and develop networks with government, non-government, partners and donors promoting an understanding of AlC's work;
- Ensure compliance of all contracts and that local government protocols are properly observed;
- Maintain a high standard of transparency and accountability in all transactions carried out with partners;
- Ensure appropriate representation of AIC at local events and forums;
- Develop and maintain close relationships with counterparts and identify potential new donors;
- Serve as a spokesperson for AIC with the local and international media;
- Commitment to the mission of American Islamic Congress
